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Six pairs of gloves no DIYer should be without

November 13, 2013

Good gloves are crucial for performing different tasks around the garage, and they make great gifts for the mechanic or home-improvement nut in your life.

Mechanix Gloves

We spend a lot of time working in the garage and wrenching on our rides, and safety is our No. 1 priority. While many products focus on protecting eyes and ears, it's actually the hands that usually bear the brunt of most garage hazards. And because our livelihoods depend on our hands vigorously cranking on the keyboard, we want the right work gloves ready for any occasion. As with most tools, there are specific gloves that work best for certain jobs. Figure out what it is you need to accomplish and pick the right glove for the project. We offer some suggestions below.

Mechanix gloves do more than just save your hands from dirt and grime.

Hardy 9 Mil Nitrile gloves

While nothing is the right tool for everything, Mechanix gloves get pretty darn close. These are simply amazing. Prices range from cheap for the basic models to rather expensive for pro versions, but our favorite is still the original black-with-white-letter glove. These hold up to the toughest of uses, including engine swaps and mechanical teardowns. The only downside to wearing gloves like these is the loss of dexterity, so getting the right size glove is crucial. The Mechanix gloves are resistant to most chemicals; however, grease and oil will eventually render them useless. Still, whether you're a professional or a weekend warrior, these are essential. For more information.

Diamond Grip latex gloves

A box of good disposable nitrile gloves is important to have in the garage. We have the luxury of going to a local discount tool store and getting 9 mil nitrile gloves at a reasonable price. These gloves are thicker than the ones at a doctor's office, and can handle most chemicals. We especially like using these when packing wheel bearings and doing oil changes, and a pair in the trunk can help in any roadside emergency. They can be a bit pricey for a box, and multiple uses are typically out of the question, but they make clean-up quick and easy. For more information.

Price: $12 (50-glove box)

For any light-duty task, Diamond Grip latex gloves can get it done.

Blue Hawk leather palm work gloves

Also known as general use/inspection gloves, these thin latex offerings are great when using cleaning chemicals like white-wall bleach or heavy engine degreaser. We like using the latex gloves when doing a clay bar application to keep skin oils from contaminating the clay. For more information.

Price: $19 (100-glove box)

Blue Hawk leather palm work gloves tackles any tough job around the garage.

MSA Safety Works Flex Tuff II latex-dipped work glove

From shoveling to changing tires, a good work glove is a required garage item. When you're handling heavy and obscure objects that don't require much dexterity, these Blue Hawk work gloves can handle just about anything. We especially like these leather-palmed gloves for carrying heavy engine blocks, transmission cases and axle housings around the shop. For more information.

Price: $2 (Pair)

MSA Safety Works Flex Tuff II latex dipped work gloves handle a variety of tasks from wrenching to lifting.

Miller Electric welding gloves

When working with oils and chemicals, a cheap pair of latex-dipped gloves is what you need. The added latex coating offers added griping ability while maintaining a padded glove underneath. The abrasion resistance is especially helpful when handling automotive glass and body panels. For more information.

Price: $6 (Pair)

Welding gloves are essential for protecting your hands while welding.

No matter what kind of welding you do, it poses a serious threat to your hands. An insulated pair of welding gloves is a key part of safety. We've all seen professional welders on TV without gloves, and we'll admit we've tried it, but we will also reiterate the fact that after you get burned once, you will never make that mistake again. For more information.